By: Gentle Gardener Oracle
I’m grateful I got to see a huge owl tonight. It was hoo-hooing so loudly I could hear him inside! I’m grateful that my neighbors are so complimentary about my garden. I probably wont accomplish anything world changing in this lifetime, so I’m grateful my garden makes this corner of the my universe more beautiful for everyone.
I’m grateful I know a little bit about interviewing for a job. Interviewing is an essential life skill, like knowing how to write a check, or how to bake a chicken. I’m grateful for old, white, rich men. Their brand had taken a beatin’ but it’s still one of my favorite demographics. And, I’m grateful for housekeepers and dog groomers. Two things I definitely didn’t have as a kid, and I appreciate their hard work so much!
Today I asked one of the interns at work what he wanted to be when he grew up. Without much hesitation, he responded, “IDK, I guess a good dad.” I’ve asked that same questions of hundreds of men over my lifetime, and this was the first time I got a response that included a thought for someone else. I’m grateful for his perspective. I’m grateful I’m not afraid to quit. Knowin’ when to fold ’em is as important as persistence. And I’m grateful for AAA. They are very helpful.
I’m grateful for those key duplication kiosks. Remember when you had to go to the hardware store, find the guy who made the keys (if he was there). Half the time the keys didn’t work, so you had to go back. Maybe find another place or another guy. Ugh. The inconvenience! I’m grateful for tacos and other folded sammies. And I’m grateful my clients are happy – today.
I’m grateful I’m dynamic, although dynamism is like spunk – people hate spunk. I’m grateful that I was ahead of my time by being strong, healthy, and curvy. And, I’m grateful I have a healthy sense of suspicion. Some people think I’m too suspicious, but I find those criticisms dubious.
No one is really happy about returning to work after a long weekend, myself included; however, today is one of those days I’m grateful I get to go to work, not annoyed that I have to….
I’m grateful for my neighbors. For the most of my adult life, I haven’t interacted with my neighbors very much. Maybe because now we’re a decent distance apart from one another, I feel more comfortable socializing with them. Finally, after a full year of ups and downs, I can confidently say that I’m so grateful for my beautiful home. Even though it’s been a manual labor, time-sucking, money pit, I never wanted to feel “stuck” at home – especially after Covid – but this long weekend assured me that I definitely made the right decision to move here.
I’m sure I’m not alone in being grateful for an extra long weekend. And, it’s a payday! I’m grateful for my pool. I love it so much. And, I’m grateful for salad. Sometimes, it’s just too hot to eat anything else.
I’m grateful for restaurants. I never ate in a real one until I was in my 20s. (I’ve made up for the deficit since then, tho!) I’m grateful for the years of managing screwed up projects and screwed up people. It’s made me a calmer, more tolerant person. And, I’m grateful for butter. If only we had more butter and fewer guns. If only….
This has been a week of disappointment and annoyance. Ten years ago, I would have expended a lot of energy (and alcohol), quelling frustration. Now I’m grateful my reaction is more of an eye roll and bored “whatever,” as I head out the door and back to my real life. I’m also grateful that I’m a customer restaurants are happy to see v. patrons to avoid. People who work in the hospitality industry have a tough job. Being an appreciative customer isn’t that hard. And, I’m grateful for beer. I’m more of a wine drinker, but sometimes a cold brewski really hits the spot.
I’m grateful I don’t fear change. Humans tend to catastrophize change. I suspect it’s because we are such creatures of habit that any disruption should be avoided. But if we never changed, we would never grow, and we couldn’t have a bunch of babies running the world. I’m grateful for the canal behind my house, and the Mallard family that’s living there. And, I’m grateful for Waba bowls. Quickly becoming a go-to.
365 Days of Simple Gratitude 